Radiotherapy + Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a new type of radiation therapy, called LEAD RT, for treating certain stages of prostate cancer. It will evaluate this therapy both with and without additional hormone therapy, known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which sometimes lowers male hormone levels that can fuel prostate cancer growth. The trial is open to men with prostate cancer that has not spread and who have not undergone previous pelvic radiation or prostate removal surgery. Researchers will monitor participants over several years to assess the treatment's long-term effects. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on anti-androgen therapy or androgen deprivation therapy, there are specific timing requirements for starting these treatments during the trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that the treatments tested in this trial have been safe in earlier studies.
For the FTLEAD treatment, which involves high-dose radiation therapy, previous studies found it feasible and generally well-tolerated. Some patients experienced side effects, but these were usually mild and manageable.
HypoLEAD, another type of radiation therapy, has demonstrated effectiveness in studies and has a safety profile similar to traditional radiation treatments. Some patients experienced urinary or bowel symptoms, but these were typically not severe.
The ultra-short-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using relugolix has been studied in various settings, including this trial. Research shows that relugolix effectively lowers testosterone levels and is well-tolerated. It also carries a lower risk of serious heart-related side effects compared to other ADT options.
Overall, these treatments have been tested in earlier studies and are generally safe for most patients. While side effects can occur, they are often mild and manageable with proper care.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these prostate cancer treatments because they bring innovative approaches to radiation therapy and hormone treatment. Unlike the usual lengthy androgen deprivation therapies, the ultra short-term ADT used in some trial arms aims to reduce side effects while maintaining effectiveness. The Focal Therapy lattice extreme ablative dose (FTLEAD) offers a targeted approach, potentially minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Additionally, HypoLEAD involves a hypofractionated radiation schedule, which can shorten treatment time and increase convenience for patients compared to traditional radiotherapy regimens. These treatments represent a significant shift towards more personalized and less invasive cancer care.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for prostate cancer?
Research shows that both FTLEAD and HypoLEAD radiotherapy are promising treatments for prostate cancer. In this trial, participants in different arms will receive either FTLEAD or HypoLEAD. Studies have found that FTLEAD can precisely target the tumor with high doses of radiation, resulting in a five-year survival rate of 97% for some patients. HypoLEAD has also effectively delivered targeted, high-dose radiation, with previous studies meeting the necessary standards for radiation distribution.
Additionally, some participants will receive a short-term hormone therapy called relugolix, which has been shown to quickly lower testosterone levels, helping to slow the growth of prostate cancer. Clinical trials demonstrated that relugolix successfully reduced and maintained low testosterone levels in over 98% of patients. This combination of treatments in the various arms of this trial aims to effectively target and manage prostate cancer with promising results.12367Who Is on the Research Team?
Benjamin Spieler, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Miami
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Men aged 35-85 with confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate, stages T1-T3, Gleason score 6-10, and PSA ≤100 ng/mL. They must have no evidence of metastasis or prior pelvic radiotherapy/prostate surgery and be able to consent. Those with concurrent active cancers (except certain skin cancers/early-stage leukemia) or a history of cancer in remission for less than 5 years are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Lattice Extreme Ablative Dose (LEAD) RT with or without ultra short-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), followed by hypofractionated RT
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessment of biochemical disease failure and treatment-related toxicity
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- ADT Standard of Care
- FTLEAD
- HypoLEAD
- Ultra-Short-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy with Relugolix
FTLEAD is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Non-metastatic prostate cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Miami
Lead Sponsor
Varian Medical Systems
Industry Sponsor
Dow R. Wilson
Varian Medical Systems
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
MBA from Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School of Business, BA from Brigham Young University
Dr. Deepak Khuntia
Varian Medical Systems
Chief Medical Officer since 2020
MD from the University of Cambridge, PhD from the University of Leicester